Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on Tuesday, protested Russia’s call to suspend peace talks between Moscow and Tokyo, to formally end World War II hostilities, CNN reported. 

During a parliamentary session, Kishida said “This entire situation has been created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Russia’s response to pass this onto Japan-Russia relations is extremely unjustified and absolutely unacceptable. Japan would like to protest this move”, and added, “We will unite with the international community and take resolution action so Japan can continue following the foundation of the international order.”

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Kishida’s comments come after the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday they don’t intend to continue having peace talks with a nation that holds an “unfriendly position”. 

Moscow will withdraw from dialogue with Japan regarding joint economic activities which will take place on the four disputed islands, that Russia refers to as “Southern Kurils”, and Japan refers to as “Northern Territories”. Russia has also decided to suspend visa-free visits to and from Japan and the disputed islands. 

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These were captured by Soviet forces after Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945. There has been a resultant disagreement over who is the rightful owner of the islands. It has soured relations between the nations as they have been unable to sign the peace treaty. 

Currently, Japan has revoked Russia’s “most favoured nation” trade status due to the invasion of Ukraine. Kishida has labelled it a “historic atrocity”, saying Japan would work in close proximity with other G7 nations to come up with stronger financial sanctions against Russia. 

After urging other nations to resume normal trade with Russia, President Vladimir Putin is now fighting a diplomatic battle on several fronts. Moscow already warned the UK of counter-sanctions and has imposed personal sanctions on US President Joe Biden and other western leaders, accusing them of Russophobia.